Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Mufasa is a male Prairie Kingsnake born in 2022. Also known as the yellow-bellied kingsnake, this is a medium-sized fossorial snake. They are typically active from April through November, being nocturnal in summer and active in the mornings and early evenings in spring and autumn. Its common name can be attributed to its original habitat of prairies.   It is grey or light brown in color, with dark brown, dark gray, or reddish brown blotches running down the length of its body. Some individuals have faded patterns that make their bodies appear almost solid brown. The belly is tan or yellowish with blocky brown patterns. The top of the rounded head has a backward-pointing U- or V-shaped marking. The juveniles usually have a dorsal brown stripe along the length of their bodies. There are two black spots behind their head and smaller black spots on both sides along the length of the stripe. If harassed, they shake their tails, which can make a sound similar to rattlesnakes in dry leaf litter. They are averse to biting but often excrete a foul-smelling musk if handled. Threatening also causes them to flatten and appear to have white spots. Often hiding underneath logs, in abandoned structures, debris, and tree trunks, these colubrids are rarely seen due to their secretive nature.
Age 3	Species size (feet) 2 1/2 -3 1/2	Life span (years) 15-20	Weight (grams) 174